King of the Hill Returns After 15 Years With Major Cast Changes
Fifteen years after its emotional finale, the beloved animated series King of the Hill is officially making its long-awaited return to television. The revival, set to premiere later this year, will bring Hank Hill and the quirky residents of Arlen, Texas, back to the small screen—but with some significant updates.
Originally airing on Fox from 1997 to 2010, King of the Hill carved out its own space in the golden age of adult animation, standing alongside The Simpsons and Family Guy as a critical and fan favorite. Now, after years of speculation, co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels have finally secured the show’s return for a fourteenth season.
What’s New in Arlen?
A recently released trailer confirmed several key details about the revival, including which original characters will return—and which actors will voice them. While Hank (Mike Judge), Peggy (Kathy Najimy), Bobby (Pamela Adlon), and Boomhauer (Judge) will all be back, one major recasting has sparked discussion among fans.
Kahn Souphanousinphone, the Hills’ status-conscious Laotian neighbor, will now be voiced by The Daily Show’s Ronny Chieng, replacing original actor Toby Huss. The change comes as part of a broader industry shift toward authentic representation, as Huss—a white actor—had previously voiced Kahn with an exaggerated accent. Chieng’s casting ensures the character retains his signature sarcasm while being portrayed by an actor of Asian descent.
Honoring a Legacy
The revival will also pay tribute to Johnny Hardwick, the late voice actor behind conspiracy theorist Dale Gribble, who passed away in 2023. Hardwick had already recorded lines for the first six episodes before his death, ensuring Dale remains a key part of the show’s return. From Episode 7 onward, Toby Huss (who previously voiced Kahn) will take over the role.
Why Now?
Fans have clamored for a King of the Hill revival for years, and Judge and Daniels have been quietly working toward its return since the original series ended. The show’s blend of dry humor, small-town satire, and heartfelt storytelling feels especially relevant in today’s TV landscape, where adult animation continues to thrive.
The reboot promises to explore how Arlen has (or hasn’t) changed in the past decade and a half. Will Hank still be selling propane with unwavering pride? Has Bobby finally found his calling? And how will Kahn adjust to modern America’s shifting cultural landscape?
A New Era for a Classic
While some fans may need time to adjust to the recastings, the revival’s creative team has emphasized their commitment to preserving the show’s core charm. Judge and Daniels remain heavily involved, ensuring the writing retains the same wit and warmth that made King of the Hill a standout in the first place.
With its mix of nostalgia and fresh perspectives, the King of the Hill revival is poised to win over both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.